There are many ways I can describe the events of the 133rd U.S. National Target Championships and 2017 JOAD National Championships. Perhaps the best way is to say the Championships are a microcosm off from reality. Over 1,000 archers from all over the country and the world convened on Westfield, Indiana with one thing on their mind…archery. The entire week was archery 24/7!

A lot of things happened for Gabi and to Gabi during the five days of shooting. From taking a silver medal in the qualification rounds at the 2017 JOAD National Championships to a very unfortunate incident during the elimination rounds. I got to witness a young athlete with such composure, sportsmanship and grace that it did not go unrecognized. Medals and Championships are fantastic; they are the rewards earned for hours of practice and tens of thousands of arrows shot per year. Gabi has been blessed to earn many top finishes during this 2017 indoor and outdoor season. But when coaches and parents come to you to say how impressed they were with how Gabi handled herself in the face of adversity and disappointment says more about her than a medal can ever do.

In reality I was a spectator watching one amazing archer doing her thing as she always does. The way Gabi tells the story is far from the drama that actually occurred during eliminations. She tells her friends she shot for bronze and finished fourth. Simple, sweet and to the point and this is the story I want to tell. Gabi finished well and took away a Silver medal in the qualification rounds and fourth in the elimination and team rounds. She left it all out there on the field of play and can hold her head up high and say she did not hold anything back!

This is to Coach Karen Cook from Next Step Archery – Thank you so much for standing behind Gabi for all four days! You have gone above and beyond what anyone could ever ask for. Your words and support will remain with Gabi for the rest of her life. Thank you for putting up with archery dad and being understanding. You and Gabi will always share a perspective and experience that no one will ever understand.

Thank you to Next Step Archery, The Nock Point, Darrin Barry, Bobby Hickey, Bill Hickey, Coach Timm, Coach Josh, Coach Rob, Faith the staff at NSA, NP, the entire Jr Select Travel Team and Excel Team, mama and Grace. And thank you to all the coaches and teammates who fought for Gabi and stood in her corner when she needed the support the most. You are why Next Step Archery is a team unlike any other! Without all of you Gabi would not be able to do it!

Congratulations Gabi, the 2017 JOAD National Champion Silver medalist (qualifications)! You never cease to amaze with your dedication, professionalism and resilience.